Lauren Betts, a new player for the Washington Mystics, is starting her WNBA training camp soon after winning the national championship with UCLA. Her college coach, Cori Close, advised her to work hard, learn from others, and be a good teammate as she begins her professional career.
Key Facts
Lauren Betts was the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the recent WNBA Draft.
Betts just finished playing for UCLA, helping them win the NCAA National Championship.
Betts is a 6-foot-7 center who had a strong college career with good average points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.
Cori Close, Betts’ college coach, told her to remember she earned her spot and to focus on learning and teamwork.
The Mystics had a 16-28 record last season and missed the playoffs two years in a row.
Betts is taking care of her body as she recovers from a long college season, with support from Mystics staff, including player Kiki Iriafen.
The Mystics’ new season starts May 8, with a preseason game on April 25.
The team has other young players like Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore.
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UFC president Dana White said Conor McGregor is close to returning to fighting after almost five years away from the octagon. McGregor last fought in July 2021 and has been recovering from injuries and negotiating his comeback.
Key Facts
Conor McGregor last fought in the UFC on July 10, 2021.
He lost that fight to Dustin Poirier due to a broken leg sustained early in the match.
McGregor had two recent losses to Poirier by technical knockout (TKO).
A planned fight against Michael Chandler was canceled due to McGregor breaking his toe.
UFC president Dana White said talks about McGregor’s return are progressing well.
McGregor hoped to fight at the UFC Freedom 250 event in July but it didn’t happen.
The main UFC event in July features lightweight and interim heavyweight championship fights.
McGregor expressed interest in returning soon but is waiting on a fair offer.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder won Game 1 of their NBA playoff series against the Phoenix Suns with a score of 119–84. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points and praised Dillon Brooks of the Suns for his strong impact on the game. Both players have a history of playing together on Canada’s national basketball team.
Key Facts
Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Phoenix Suns 119–84 in Game 1 of the first-round NBA playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points, provided seven assists, and made four rebounds and two blocks.
Phoenix Suns shot 35% from the field and committed 19 turnovers.
Dillon Brooks scored 18 points, with seven rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Brooks have played together on Canada’s national team, including the 2023 FIBA World Cup and 2024 Olympics.
Brooks won the Best Defensive Player award at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Canada made its first Olympic basketball appearance in 24 years at the 2024 Olympics.
Game 2 of the series will be held in Oklahoma City, with the Thunder favored to win again.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic are the finalists for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The NBA also announced finalists for other major awards such as Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player.
Key Facts
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite to win his second consecutive NBA MVP award.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, won Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, expected to win among finalists including Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson.
Finalists for Rookie of the Year include Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, and Kon Knueppel, all recent top draft picks.
The NBA announced finalists for Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Award winners will be announced throughout the postseason starting with Defensive Player of the Year.
The finalists for MVP are Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic, who has won MVP three times.
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Audi Crooks, who played center for Iowa State and is ranked the top women's basketball transfer by ESPN, has joined Oklahoma State. She made the announcement on Sunday night.
Key Facts
Audi Crooks played as a center at Iowa State.
She is ranked No. 1 in ESPN's women's basketball transfer rankings.
Crooks has committed to play for Oklahoma State.
The announcement was made on Sunday night.
The news involves college women's basketball transfers.
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The Washington Commanders have a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely selecting seventh overall. General Manager Adam Peters said the team will probably keep that pick and could choose a player from many positions to strengthen the team.
Key Facts
The Commanders last had a top-10 pick in 2024, selecting quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall.
Daniels helped the team reach the NFC Championship in 2024 with a 12-5 record.
In 2025, Daniels was injured and played only seven games, contributing to a poor 5-12 team record.
The Commanders will likely pick seventh in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to GM Adam Peters.
Peters did not specify which position the team will target in the draft.
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Commanders may pick wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State at No. 7.
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. EST on April 23.
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The Cincinnati Bengals traded a top draft pick to the New York Giants in exchange for a top defensive player. Sports host Kay Adams had recently suggested this trade as a smart move for the Bengals, and after it happened, she shared her excitement publicly. The player involved, Lawrence, signed a new contract extension with the Bengals.
Key Facts
The Bengals traded the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft to the Giants.
The Giants receive two top-10 picks: No. 5 and No. 10 in the draft.
The Bengals acquired Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive player.
Kay Adams, a sports TV host, mentioned this possible trade days before it happened.
Lawrence signed a one-year, $28 million extension with the Bengals.
The extension ties Lawrence to the team for three more years in total.
The Bengals still have $20 million in salary cap space this year to use on players.
Kay Adams expressed her enthusiasm about the trade on social media shortly after it was announced.
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Matt Fitzpatrick won a golf tournament called the RBC Heritage by beating Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one player, in a playoff. Fitzpatrick had good results before the Masters and showed strong focus during the competition.
Key Facts
Fitzpatrick finished second at the Players Championship and won the Valspar Championship before the Masters.
He tied for 18th place at the Masters tournament held at Augusta National.
At the RBC Heritage event, Fitzpatrick and Scheffler ended the regular rounds tied, which led to a playoff.
Fitzpatrick made a mistake on his final chip shot during regulation but recovered with a successful four-iron shot in the playoff.
He greeted Scheffler with a joking “Matt Fitzpatrick, nice to meet you” before the playoff started.
Scheffler was the number one ranked golfer in the world during this tournament.
Fitzpatrick mentioned he had to stay tough as Scheffler made birdies near the end.
This was Fitzpatrick’s first tournament after the Masters.
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Matt Fitzpatrick won the RBC Heritage golf tournament after beating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff. Fans mostly supported Scheffler, but Fitzpatrick managed to stay focused and secured the victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
Key Facts
Matt Fitzpatrick played against Scottie Scheffler in the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament.
Scheffler was the crowd favorite, as the event was in the United States.
Fitzpatrick had a three-shot lead that narrowed by the final hole, leading to a playoff.
Scheffler made par on the last hole, while Fitzpatrick made a bogey, forcing extra holes.
In the playoff, Fitzpatrick scored a birdie to win and quiet the crowd.
Fitzpatrick acknowledged some fans can be loud but appreciated those who supported him.
Fitzpatrick’s parents had a bad experience at the 2021 Ryder Cup and skipped the 2025 event.
The article compares American golf fans’ behavior to the Ryder Cup atmosphere over the years.
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The Kansas City Royals are having a tough season and recently had a public disagreement between their manager, Matt Quatraro, and star catcher Salvador Perez. Quatraro rested Perez for one game, calling it a "mental breather," which Perez publicly disagreed with but later clarified that they resolved the misunderstanding. The Royals continue to struggle with losses.
Key Facts
The Royals and New York Mets currently share the worst record in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected in the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees.
Quatraro rested catcher Salvador Perez for one game, describing it as a "mental breather."
Perez responded on social media, saying he did not need a mental break.
After talking, Perez and Quatraro settled their differences and confirmed good communication.
Perez explained that players sometimes have off days during a long 162-game season.
Perez returned to play as designated hitter the next day, but the Royals lost to the Yankees 7-0.
The Royals will next play against the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels at home.
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Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride is recovering from a partially ruptured eardrum she suffered while flying home from Turkey. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said McBride has improved and has been able to fly again. The team looks forward to the upcoming 2026 WNBA season starting May 10.
Key Facts
Kayla McBride suffered a partially ruptured eardrum after flying back from Turkey.
She was unable to fly immediately after the injury but has since flown again and is improving.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve does not expect the injury to prevent McBride from playing or traveling with the team.
McBride re-signed with the Minnesota Lynx on a two-year contract with a lower max salary.
McBride has been with the Lynx since 2021 and made the WNBA All-Star team the past two seasons.
In 2025, McBride averaged 22.9 points per game, second highest on the team behind Napheesa Collier.
Collier recently had surgery to repair torn ankle ligaments and is still recovering.
The Lynx start their 2026 season against the Atlanta Dream on May 10.
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Lightning coach Jon Cooper said the penalties made by his team were a key reason they lost in overtime to the Canadiens in Game 1. He was unhappy with the mistakes that led to those penalties.
Key Facts
The Tampa Bay Lightning played against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1.
The game went into overtime, which means no one scored during the regular time.
The Lightning lost the game in overtime.
Coach Jon Cooper blamed the penalties his team took for the loss.
He described the penalties as "stupidity," meaning they were avoidable mistakes.
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Three international players—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama—are finalists for the NBA’s most valuable player (MVP) award. This marks the eighth year in a row that an international player has won the NBA MVP. Winners of other individual NBA awards will be announced throughout the week.
Key Facts
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Oklahoma City is the reigning NBA MVP and a finalist for this year’s MVP again.
Nikola Jokic from Denver is also a finalist; he won the MVP in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is a finalist for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
The NBA’s streak of international MVP winners started in 2019 with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon and now a U.S. citizen, won the MVP in 2023.
The NBA announces the winners of several awards over multiple days, starting with Defensive Player of the Year.
Other players like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham were added to award ballots after appeals but did not make the top MVP finalists.
Anthony Edwards, though not an MVP finalist, is a finalist for Clutch Player of the Year, selected by NBA coaches.
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Matt Fitzpatrick won the RBC Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head, South Carolina, beating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff. He earned $3.6 million from the $20 million prize pool and achieved his second win of the season.
Key Facts
Matt Fitzpatrick’s win at the RBC Heritage in 2026 was his second at this event in four years.
He defeated Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top golfer, in a playoff after Scheffler made a late comeback.
Fitzpatrick earned $3.6 million for winning, from a total prize pool of $20 million.
Scheffler earned $2.16 million as the runner-up, and Si Woo Kim took home $1.36 million for third place.
Three players tied for fourth place, each receiving $823,333.31.
Fitzpatrick has now earned over $35 million in his career.
This season, he has won twice, including the Valspar Championship in March.
Upcoming tournaments for Fitzpatrick include the Cadillac Championship, Truist Championship, Memorial Tournament, and U.S. Open.
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The Cincinnati Bengals traded their No. 10 NFL Draft pick to get defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. Lawrence soon signed a one-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals and said he is motivated to prove the team made a good choice.
Key Facts
The Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence had asked for a trade from the Giants after seven seasons.
He still had two years left on his contract with the Giants.
Lawrence signed a one-year, $28 million extension with the Bengals.
He is a three-time Pro Bowl player and two-time All-Pro.
Lawrence has 341 tackles and 30.5 sacks over his career.
He aims to show the Bengals they made a smart investment.
The Bengals also added other defensive players like Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen this offseason.
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The Dallas Cowboys are considering trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft to pick a top player, linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State. Styles is highly praised for his skills and leadership, and experts say he could be a key defensive player for the Cowboys.
Key Facts
The Cowboys currently hold the 12th and 20th picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They may trade with the Cleveland Browns to get the 6th overall pick to select Sonny Styles.
Styles is a linebacker from Ohio State, known for strong physical and leadership qualities.
Experts describe Styles as a “safe” pick who plays like a professional already.
The Cowboys' defense was last in the NFL last season in points allowed and other key measures.
Styles' athletic ability includes a very high vertical jump for his size.
He has been compared to Fred Warner, a top linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23, when the Cowboys’ final decisions will be known.
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The 2026 NFL Draft is happening soon, and the Baltimore Ravens are expected to choose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with their first pick. This addition is seen as a way to help quarterback Lamar Jackson by strengthening the offensive line.
Key Facts
The NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Baltimore Ravens have the 14th overall pick in the draft.
Sports analyst Nate Davis predicts the Ravens will select guard Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State.
Strengthening the offensive line is a priority for the Ravens to support their quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
A recent trade involved the New York Giants trading Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall draft pick.
Improving the offensive line could also benefit running back Derrick Henry.
The Ravens are entering the draft with a new coach and aim to help Jackson return to MVP form.
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The New York Jets are expected to make a trade during the 2026 NFL draft to pick offensive lineman Spencer Fano from Utah. An NFL analyst predicts Fano will start immediately and help build the team around a future franchise quarterback.
Key Facts
The 2026 NFL draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Jets' second-year head coach is Aaron Glenn.
An NFL analyst named Nate Davis predicts the Jets will trade with the Indianapolis Colts to get the No. 16 overall pick.
The Jets reportedly plan to select Spencer Fano, an offensive lineman from the University of Utah.
Fano has experience playing both tackle positions, mostly on the right side.
Fano is expected to be able to start playing immediately for the Jets.
The Jets continue to build their team around a future quarterback expected to arrive by 2027.
The Jets obtained this draft pick through a previous trade involving cornerback Sauce Gardner.
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The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25. The Pittsburgh Steelers, with the 21st pick, are expected to focus on improving their offense to support quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One prediction is that the Steelers will select wide receiver KC Concepcion from Texas A&M.
Key Facts
The 2026 NFL Draft is taking place in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' home city.
The draft dates are April 23 to April 25, 2026.
The Steelers have the 21st overall pick in the draft.
The team is looking to strengthen their offense to support quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers has not yet signed for another year but may be persuaded by a good draft.
Sports analyst Nate Davis predicts the Steelers will pick wide receiver KC Concepcion.
Concepcion is a wide receiver from Texas A&M known for his ability to catch the ball and run after the catch.
Adding Concepcion would create a strong receiving group along with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
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